Reading
1. The first official World Oceans Day took place on June 8, 2009.
This annual event was proposed by Canada at the 1992 Earth
Summit. It was celebrated unofficially for many years with events
such as beach cleanups and seafood festivals. In 2009, the UN
announced that World Oceans Day would be observed every year
as a way of honoring the importance of oceans and addressing
future environmental challenges.
2. Is the future of the oceans our responsibility? While the oceans provide
so much, including food, trade routes, transportation, and recreation,
humans do not always treat them with respect. Pirates and drug
dealers commit crimes on the oceans. Nations hold their battles on
them. Even people who rely on oceans to make a living sometimes
Ignore rules about species protection. Many others pollute the
waters carelessly as they have fun on the beach.
3. Some people think oceans can take care of themselves. Others believe
environmental problems will hurt future generations. Would the
oceans and their species survive without any human intervention?
1. Which country proposed World Oceans Day?
2. What occurred between 1992 and 2009?
3. When was the first official World Oceans Day?
4. Name two examples of "disrespect" mentioned in the reading.